Hi Friend:

We have been exploring the "riches" found in Psalm 23, and will continue to do so for the next few months. We are focusing this month on verse 3. I decided to share verse 3 in two parts, and you can read part two next month. The last two months I shared regarding verses 1 and 2. Scroll down to "Archives" to read. I pray that God will use this devotional to be an eye-opening, insightful blessing to you!

PSALM 23:3a:

"He restores my soul."

RETURN

REPENTANCE

TO MAKE ALIVE AGAIN

TO BECOME STRONG

 

THE SHEEP AND THE SHEPHERD

Sheep cannot be left alone for any length of time or they could die. The shepherd has to keep an eye on his flock day and night. If one or two sheep are missing, the first thought in the shepherd's mind is, "My sheep are lost".

Sheep have a habit of wandering from the flock. It happens so easily as a sheep grazes in the pasture, moving slowly, further and further away from the other sheep and his shepherd. It doesn't take long for the sheep to go astray.

The night time is a very dangerous time for sheep. Often times, small wolves wait, eager to pounce on the sheep and rip it apart. In addition, due to darkness, sheep are not able to see the way and could easily fall over the side of a cliff.

At night, when the shepherd comes into the fold, he counts his sheep one-by-one calling them by name to be sure the sheep are all accounted for. When the shepherd discovers that one of his sheep is still out in the wild, he leaves his flock in the care of a trusted servant. The shepherd backtracks over the day's route where the sheep traveled. He carries a small lantern close to his feet as he retraces his steps, calling out to he sheep. He listens intently for the possibility of his sheep bleating in the darkness. When he finds the "lost sheep" he puts the animal on his shoulders and carries it home.

Some sheep develop a habit of going out into the wild, out into the darkness. The shepherd seeks, once again, to find his "lost sheep". If the sheep goes astray often enough, the shepherd will break the leg of the sheep before he puts the sheep on his shoulder and carries it back to the flock. The shepherd puts a splint on the sheep's broken leg. As the days pass by the shepherd carries the cripped sheep close to his heart. As the leg mends (heals) the shepherd sets the crippled sheep by his side. Now the sheep completely depends on the sheperd. When the crippled leg is totally healed the sheep has learned his lesson and will stay close by the shepherd's side.

You may think this is very cruel of the shepherd. But, actually, the shepherd is being kind. He wants to protect the sheep from danger. He breaks the sheep's leg not to hurt it but to "restore it".

In the story of "The Prodigal Son" the father welcomed his "lost" son home saying,

"My son was dead, but now he is alive (restored).

My son was "lost" but now he is found (restored)."

 

The foolish son spent all he had on wild living.

When he came to his senses (Luke 15:17) he began to think

to realize

to awake

to return

to repent.

 

What can we learn from this parable of "The Lost Sheep"? Once we go astray, and are out of God's fellowship, we are in danger. We need to stay close to the Good Shepherd, Jesus! You can be confident, once again, of God's love, mercy, and grace through His word, the Bible.

Just as the shepherd and his sheep are bonded together, the Good Shepherd is calling you to be bonded together with Him.

Have you strayed from the faith of our Good Shepherd, Jesus? May the words of this beloved hymn minister to you, and may God use them to draw you back to His loving, faithful arms.

SONG

"Amazing Grace" by John Newton, 1725-1807

(Cruel owner of a slave ship before he was miraculously saved)

 

Amazing Grace, how sweet the sound,

That saved a wretch (sinner) like me.

I once was lost but now am found (resored),

Was blind (not understand), but now, I see (understand the truth).

 

T'was Grace that taught my heart to fear.

And Grace, my fears relieved.

How precious did that Grace appear

the hour I first believed.

 

Through many dangers, toils and snares,

we have already come.

T'was Grace that brought us safe thus far,

and Grace will lead us home.

 

The Lord has promised good to me,

His word my hope secures.

He will my shield and portion be,

as long as life endures.

 

When we've been here ten thousand years,

bright shining as the sun.

We've no less days to sing God's praise,

then when we've first begun.

 

 

MY PRAYER FOR YOU: I pray that today His truth will touch your heart. I pray that you will "hear" the Good Shepherd calling you to come home. I pray that you repent and return to Him so that you can experience His amazing grace--once again--and be strengthened,

refreshed--RESTORED! In Jesus Name. AMEN.

 

Diane Musil is a special friend of this ministry. I asked Diane how long she has been a Christian, and she responded, "I was saved 7/7/1977. Diane explains, "That is when I first became saved and accepted Jesus Christ as my Savior and Lord!!!!" She is a women of faith and a powerful prayer warrior. Diane loves the Lord with all of her heart and has a deep abiding relationship with Him, born out of life's struggles.

Since the beginning of this ministry, Diane has been an encouragement to Rhonda and me. We asked Diane if she would be willing to write devotionals, which we could add to this website, so that other people would be encouraged too. Diane graciously responded, "Yes,".

 

Diane is Deaf and legally blind, caused by being born almost three months premature. Many years ago, Diane was visiting at the Retreat Center here and preparing to share in chapel. Diane was in the kitchen, and I happened to walk in on her as she was reading her Bible and praying. Diane had her Bible within three inches of her eyes as she diligently, slowly, was reading the Word of God. I backed out of the kitchen. That image of Diane reading her Bible has spurred me on to be faithful in reading the precious Word of God. Rhonda and I pray that God will encourage you as you read Diane's devotionals each month. Diane has lived in the Chicago area her entire life.

 

May God encourage and bless you,

Gary

 

PS: Would you like to experience peace, joy, and eternal life? You can! Click here.